Coquitlam Search and Rescue

Template:Unreviewed Coquitlam Search & Rescue is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to wilderness search and rescue around Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. The organization serves the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody (The Tri-cities), Anmore, Belcarra, Burnaby and New Westminster.

Coquitlam Search & Rescue is one of the busiest teams in the province with an average of 35 tasks per year.

The primary search area for Coquitlam Search & Rescue (SAR) is 1762 km² and includes some of the most rugged and inaccessible terrain in the south west region of the province of British Columbia. The team also provides assistance to residents during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes (for example, the Kelowna Firestorm). Coquitlam SAR also responds to assist other SAR teams in the region, and throughout the province. Coquitlam SAR has been sent on searches in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Comox (Strathcona Provincial Park), Prince George, Kitimat and on occasion to Washington State.

History

Coquitlam Search and Rescue was formed in 1972 as a result of a search on Burke Mountain by North Shore Rescue and members of the Coquitlam RCMP detachment because there was no local team.

Operations

Coquitlam Search & Rescue volunteers respond at the discretion of police.

Volunteers

The all-volunteer team is made up of highly skilled hikers, mountaineers and back country skiers, some of whom dedicate more than 500 hours per year and often conduct rescues at night, in bad weather, and on short notice. The team trains together every Tuesday night. Volunteers also attend special courses, devote time to education and fundraising, and pay for their own personal equipment and clothing.